This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my cousin-in-law Francesca, to review her action-packed and unforgettable trip through Tanzania and Zanzibar — a journey that had everything: wildlife, wonder, and a few unexpected bumps (literally).

She takes us along on her 6-day Serengeti safari, where she:
🦓 Witnessed the legendary wildebeest river crossing
🚙 Survived a couple of safari vehicle breakdowns
🎈 Soared over the plains on a sunrise hot air balloon ride
🦁 Explored the incredible Ngorongoro Crater — home to some of Africa’s densest wildlife

Then it was off to Zanzibar for some well-earned rest and exploration:
🌴 Beachfront chill time in Kendwa
🌶️ A deep dive into culture on a Stone Town spice tour

Oh, and did they see a kill on safari? You'll have to listen to find out 👀

Whether you’re dreaming of a Big Five safari, craving clear turquoise waters, or just curious what it’s like when your safari truck breaks down in lion territory — this one’s got stories.

🎧 Hit play and let’s wander.

00:00 Introduction to Tanzania and Zanzibar

3:07 Even Experienced Travellers Make Mistakes - the Soon-to-Expire Passport Story

9:24 African Safari Planning: When To Go, the Great Migration + Preparatory Info

15:20 Francesca’s Trip to Tanzania + Zanzibar: Ethiopian Airlines, How to Choose A Safari Tour + Cost Expectations

26:58 Serengeti Safari Day 1: Truck Breakdown Part I, Seronera + Overview of the Camps

35:55 Serengeti Safari Day 2: Truck Breakdown Part II + Safari Meals

41:52 Serengeti Safari Day 3: Hot Air Balloon, Up Close Lions + Flash Flooding Dangerous River Crossing

52:09 Serengeti Safari Day 4: Wildebeest Crossing + Elephants

55:05 Serengeti Safari Day 5: The Kill!? + Pamoja African Lodge

1:01:36 Serengeti Safari Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater + How Many Gazelle are There?!?

1:04:55 Zanzibar: Arusha Airport, Italian Invasion in Kendwa + Stonetown

1:14:54 Respecting Culture, Diving + Canadians Owning the Zanzaibarian Resort

1:22:52 Rapid Fire Round

1:24:57 Listener Questions: Other Safari Locations in Africa, Bathrooms?, and the Beaches in Zanzibar

This week on Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my wonderful friend Maddie, who’s no stranger to Japan — she’s traveled there three times, spent over six weeks exploring the country, and just so happens to be married to someone who grew up there.

In this episode, Maddie takes us along on her most recent trip:

✨ Visiting her husband’s hometown of Misaki in Chiba
🌸 Exploring Nikko and sipping morning coffee by the river
🎤 Singing karaoke and missing the last train in Tokyo
🦌 Traveling solo to Nara with a peaceful day trip to Minoo waterfall
🚄 Experiencing her first bullet train ride
🍱 And of course — the food: tonkatsu, konbini snacks, and all-you-can-drink beer

She also reflects on highlights from previous visits to Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hakone, sharing tips, funny stories, and favourite off-the-beaten-path moments.

If Japan is on your list — or you just love hearing honest, thoughtful travel stories — this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and seriously great recs.

🎧 Press play and let’s wander.

00:00 Overview of Travel to Japan

4:00 Japan Working Holiday Visa

8:11 Overview of Maddie: Previous Trips to Japan, Solo Travel + Budget Style and Planning Approach

18:51 Chiba: Authentic Japan, Socializing Customs + Surfing

22:50: Nikko: Dewy Mountain Vibes, Hostel Coffee by the River + See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

30:32 Tokyo: Overview of Tokyo Regions, Tonkatsu/Ramen + Missing the Last Train

38:27: Nara: Aggressive(ish) Deer, Japanese Customs + the Shinkansen

48:48 Osaka, Kyoto + Tokyo: General Overview of the Golden Route

54:46 Okinawa: Beaches, Mazemen + Zamami Island

57:17 Hakone: Onsens, Mount Fuji + Japanese Food Talk

1:03:55 Final Review of Japanese Activities and Reflection on Trip

1:06:42 This or That: Japan Edition

1:07:52 Listener Questions: Luggage Forwarding, Where to Revisit in Japan + Is Cherry Blossom Season Worth It?

This week, I’m joined by my brilliant friend and 3-time Jeopardy! champion Diandra, who took on 6 countries in 10 days on a whirlwind Contiki tour through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy — all during the cozy (and sometimes chilly!) Christmas Market months of November and December.

From making pierogies in Warsaw to ice skating outside in Budapest, visiting Auschwitz, sailing through Venice on a gondola, and even exploring Mozart’s birthplace in Salzburg, Diandra shares the highs, the heart, and the unexpected magic of fast-paced group travel.

We talk about:

• How to make the most of a tightly packed itinerary
• Contiki tips for all travelers
• Balancing heavy historical moments with lighthearted memories
• What she’d do differently — and what she’d do again in a heartbeat

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a lot in not a lot of time, this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play — and let’s wander.

Timestamp:

00:00 Varadero, Cuba: The Not-As-Planned Group Trip with Diandra in 2017

5:40 Overview of Contiki

13:28 Warsaw: Meeting the Contiki Tour, Palace of Culture and Science + Blueberry Pierogis?

15:15: Krakow: Hourly Trumpets, Pazcki + Somber Reflection at Auschwitz

21:50 Overview of Ibis Hotels

24:17 Banská Bystrica: A Little Taste of Slovakia

26:08 Budapest: Goulash, Ice Skating + Danube River Cruise

31:37 Salzberg: Mozart, Mulled Wine + Ribs and Schnapps

36:47 Ljubljana: Picturesque Lake Bled, Traditional Slovenian Dancing + Canadian Karaoke

39:32 Venice and Rome Recap: Wine and Cicchetti Tours, Gondola Rides + Rome Tourist Highlights

43:36 Contiki Reflections

47:47 This or That: Eastern Europe + Italia Edition

48:25 Listener Questions

48:58 Closing Recommendations and Thoughts

In this solo episode, I'm recapping my own trip to Greece with my husband, Nick — and we covered a lot of ground.

From sipping wine in the Nemea region 🍷 to relaxing at the beachy Vincci EverEden Resort 🌊, exploring the charming streets of Nafplio 🏛️, and ending with a 7-night island-hopping cruise across Corfu, Kefalonia, Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes — this was a trip to remember.

I’m breaking down:

• Why Nafplio might be one of Greece’s most underrated gems
• If the Apollo Coast is worth skipping the islands
• Cruise highlights (and real talk about what wasn’t worth it)
• My favorite meals, wine picks, and beach spots
• How to balance luxury with budget-friendly choices

Whether you're planning your own Greek adventure or just want to wander from your headphones, this episode is packed with personal recs, honest takes, and dreamy travel inspo.

🎧 Let’s go to Greece — no passport required.

2:10 Nafplio: Palamidi Fortress, Nemea Wine Region + the Authentic Greek Experience

12:32 The Athenian Riviera: Luxurious Resort Vibes at a Reasonable Price

16:07 Athens: Quick tips + Acropolis Part 2

21:29 Greek Islands Cruise Review

26:02 Rhodes: Medieval Greece

28:52 Mykonos: Touristy > Beauty

32:17 Kefalonia: The Calm Scenic Island We Couldn’t Explore

37:11 Corfu: A Taste of Italy in Greece

39:22 Santorini: Quick Tips, ATV Rides + Unforgettable Sunset Dinners

42:34 Final Thoughts on Greece

In this episode of Wander Every Day, I’m joined by my friends Nick and Lindsey, fresh from their dreamy 2-week honeymoon in Greece — and yes, emotions were felt.

They take us through their island-hopping itinerary, from ancient ruins to luxury views:

✅ Athens and the moment Lindsey cried (happy tears!) atop the Acropolis
✅ A luxury stay in Imerovigli, Santorini, plus a hike along the Caldera
✅ A romantic dinner at Rotonda in Naxos — unforgettable views & flavors
✅ Chill beach days at Kolymbithres in Paros
✅ Real talk on planning a honeymoon that’s both indulgent and laid-back

It’s a perfect blend of romance, relaxation, and real travel tips — whether you're planning a honeymoon or just dreaming of Greek sunsets.

2:49 Choosing Greece + Honeymoon Budgeting
11:57 Athens/Greece First Impressions + Ferry Overview

17:04 Santorini: Hotel Sunnyvillas, Caldera Hike, Raki + the Best Gyro in Greece

33:27 Naxos: Catamarans, Scenic Sunset Dinner at Rotonda, Caya Beach Club + Greek Wine Review

46:07 Paros: “Baby Mykonos”, Kolymbithres Beach + Authentic Local Greek Eats

55:33 Athens: Acropolis, Bar Hopping + Lindseys Moment of Appreciation

1:02:06 Greek Sweets and Coffee: Lukumades, Bougatsa + Greek Coffee

1:07:36 Memorable Reflections and Recommendations for Others

1:11:50 Me or You: Honeymoon Edition

1:12:39 Listener Questions: Most Underrated / Overrated Things About Greece, Communicating with Locals, Public Bathrooms + Nick the Cat Whisperer?

1:16:42 Final Thoughts on Greece

#TravelPodcast #WanderEveryDay #GreeceHoneymoon #SantoriniViews #GreekIslands #AthensMagic #NaxosEats #ParosBeaches #LuxuryTravel #TravelStories

In our very first episode of Wander Every Day, I’m chatting with my budget-savvy friend Sam, who just wrapped up a 14-day adventure through Thailand and Vietnam with her friend Rich. From partying at Khao San Market to soaking up the sun in Kappa, Sam shares how they made the most of every dollar — and every day.

Expect stories from:
✅ Chiang Mai’s Songkran Festival — where the water fights are epic and the budget is minimal
✅ A jungle cooking class that turned into a wild experience
✅ Heartwarming moments at an elephant sanctuary
✅ An authentic homestay in Sa Pa just a hop and a skip away from the renowned rice fields of Vietnam
✅ Hostel life, travel hacks, and unexpected finds along the way

Whether you’re planning your own Southeast Asia trip or just want to live vicariously through some unforgettable travel tales, this episode is packed with smart recs, hilarious mishaps, and serious wanderlust inspo. Tune in now! 🌟🎧

Chapters

00:00 Choosing Thailand and Vietnam: The Journey Begins

07:31 General Trip Overview and Itinerary: Thailand and Vietnam

09:43 Cultural Shock in Vietnam: A Different World

11:40 General Overview of Hostel Stays

15:05 Bangkok: Khao San Market, Floating Market, Muay Thai, Street Food + Massages

19:39 Krabi: Reeve Beach Club, Tuktuk Travel + Nomads Hostel Review

22:29 Ko Phi Phi: Longtail Boat Tour + Beaches

25:37: Khao Sok National Park: Jungle Cooking, Elephant Sanctuary + Bamboo River Tour

34:19: Chiang Mai: Songkran Festival + Water Gun Fights
38:34: Other Thoughts and Recommendations for Thailand

40:02 Hanoi: Chaotic Streets + Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

41:27: Kappa: Cruising, Family Style Meals + Enjoying the Water

43:44 Sa Pa: Homestays + Adventures in the Rice Fields

49:15 Ninh Binh: Motorbike Tours + Mu'a Cave Hike

53:51 Hanoi Part 2: Culinary Adventures and Shopping in Vietnam

56:02 Comparing Thailand and Vietnam

57:11 Future Travel Aspirations

57:59 Rapid Fire Travel Questions

01:00:27 Cultural Etiquette and Customs

01:01:30 Final Travel Tips and Reflections

#TravelPodcast #WanderEveryDay #BudgetTravel #SoutheastAsia #ThailandTravel #VietnamAdventures #BackpackingTips #TravelStories #NewEpisode #PodcastLaunch

🎙️ Welcome to WANDER EVERY DAY!

In this trailer episode, host Day gives you a sneak peek into what WANDER EVERY DAY: REAL TALK, REAL TRIPS is all about — real travel stories, smart recommendations, and honest conversations with well-traveled friends.

✨ What to Expect:
• Travel that feels real, doable, and fun
• Tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how to wander smarter
• Weekly episodes full of stories, laughs, and practical advice

Whether you’re trip-planning or daydreaming, this podcast is your go-to for thoughtful travel inspiration without the fluff.

Connect with me!

👉 Follow the show + get ready to wander!
📲 @wander_every_day on Instagram, TikTok and on YouTube